Canada's national teams are meeting next week in Calgary to open orientation camp ahead of the 2026 Olympics. Canada's men's, women's, and men's para ice hockey teams will all begin the process of selecting final rosters.
Canada's women's national team has remained largely intact for the last decade, but the 2026 Olympics will be another moment for the nation to define their program in search of a sixth gold medal in eight Olympic appearances.
Inevitably, there are roster sports up for grabs this season across Canada's roster as the best are brought together to build a roster worthy of gold.
Depth Defensive Positions To Be Claimed
Ten defenders are in camp with Canada including first time invite Kati Tabin, teenager Chloe Primerano, and Nicole Gosling who won gold with Canada in 2024, but was left off Canada's 2025 silver medal team.
There is no question Canada will bring Renata Fast, Ella Shelton, and Erin Ambrose. Jocelyne Larocque and Claire Thompson are probable. Beyond this group, it's open competition. Sophie Jaques, a PWHL Defender of the Year finalist and New York Sirens captain Micah Zandee-Hart bring professional and veteran experience, but if Canada is wanting a different look, Tabin could win her way on as she's been one of the PWHL's most consistent, physical, and successful shut down defenders. Primerano was part of the World team, but Canada needs to let her free as an offensive attacking blueliner like USA does with Caroline Harvey. Gosling's Olympic hopes will ride on how strong he is in the opening month of the PWHL season with the Montreal Victoire.
Barring injury, there are 1-2 spots open on Canada's blueline with 4-5 players fighting for the positions.
Can Anyone Steal A Spot Up Front?
Presumably, Canada's forward group is overfull. It looks as though Canada is going to try to run it back one more time with their aging veterans. That core of Marie-Philip Poulin, Natalie Spooner, and Brianne Jenner have brought so much gold to Canada. Close behind are Blayre Turnbull, Emily Clark, Sarah Nurse, and Laura Stacey who in terms of four-year Olympic cycles, are looking at 2030 as a final shot.
It would not be surprising to see Canada make a difficult decision with one or more veterans at this tournament opening the door for a new star to emerge. Sarah Fillier and Daryl Watts are locks to return, and if Hannah Miller gets off to a good start in Vancouver and is approved by the IIHF, you can count her in. The chemistry found in 2025 with Jennifer Gardiner playing alongside Poulin and Stacey makes her return more likely. Emma Maltais seems a good bet to reclaim a spot as well, although her dip in production last season could open a door.
That leaves Danielle Serdachny, Julia Gosling, Kristin O'Neill, and Caitlin Kraemer fighting for a spot. Serdachny has scored in big moments for Canada and with top six opportunities in Seattle, she should flourish. Gosling will be in a tougher spot in Vancouver with the depth of that roster, similar to what she faced in Toronto, but she finished very strong last year. O'Neill will need a resurgence in New York to find her way back to Team Canada. Caitlin Kraemer is the wildcard. If she opens up strong, Canada could tap her for the youthful energy they've lacked against USA. She'd be Canada's youngest Olympic forward since Marie-Philip Poulin made her debut in 2010.
There's no guarantee Canada rolls back the same roster as they've visibly lost ground on a consistent basis against USA. Finding youth and energy to combat the college kids USA is bringing will be a point to consider. There's no guarantee there are significant surprises in store.
It's Desbiens' Crease, But Who Follows?
Ann-Renee Desbiens is Canada's starter, period. There is no question and she'll be relied on to carry the crease. Emerance Maschmeyer right now is Canada's second, and as long as she returns healthy, that's unlikely to change as well. The real question is if Canada is ready to lean into Eve Gascon as their official goalie of the future. Gascon is arguably the best goalie in the NCAA, and she could certainly be a starter in the PWHL, now. She's that good, and with another strong start, could begin tipping the scale in her favour. It will be interesting to see if she gets a shot at Canada's crease in the Rivalry Series. If they audition Gascon there, all bets are off and the fight for Canada's backup spot behind Desbiens will no longer be considered a lock.